A Little Fuzzy in the Nebulas

January 8, 2013

Before authorizing the mayor to execute a $2 million Economic Development Transportation Project Fund Agreement between the city of Pensacola and the Florida Department of Transportation Monday, City Council Vice President Jewell Canada-Wynn had a question: was it “free money.”

“Now, here’s the catch,” said City Attorney Jim Messer, before explaining that the $2 million worth of state funds hinged on the city’s ability to bring in 100 jobs.

The state money is for infrastructure improvements at the Port of Pensacola.

“Well, then the question is, ‘jeepers, what happens if we don’t create 100 jobs?’” Messer posed, explaining that the money is tied to the jobs, but that there is a two-year window in which to create such jobs.

The attorney also relayed a message from Mayor Ashton Hayward, stressing that “he not only expects, but needs the full support of this council, as well as the chamber” in order to successfully pull the effort off.